Showing posts with label VIetnam Golf Magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VIetnam Golf Magazine. Show all posts

20 November 2018

10 дней во Вьетнаме

Вьетнам Golf Magazine
March 2013
Vietnamese / English translation:  10 Ngày Ở Việt Nam - 10 Days in Vietnam (2013)

Вам интересно, что случайный посетитель сделает Вьетнама в то время как на отраслевой спонсорские пикник? Ну теперь вы можете ...

Хотя я имел честь появления в Вьетнаме шесть раз в прошлом, это был первый раз, когда я имел удовольствие испытывать страну в начале нового года. Полеты в из Бали, моя жена и я приземлился в Таншоннят аэропорт поздно 29 Декабрь. Наш план был провести новогоднюю ночь в Хошимине, затем неделю в Нячанге.

Вьетнам Golf Magazine
март 2013
Зная, что мы хотели испытать празднования стороны как 2012 подошел к концу, мы приняли решение останавливаться в городе, рядом несколько из модных ночных клубов. С несколько очень хороших партий планируется на протяжении Хошимине, мы решили сделать нашу остановку в 4-м квартале на Нгуен Тат Тхань в округе 4. Хэдлайнерами малоизвестных Fierce Angels Марк Дойла, партия была одной мы чувствовали мог сравниться торжества в любой другой город-космополит.

Поскольку наши три дня в Хошимине были в выходные дни Нового года, не было большого установки для меня с точки зрения бизнеса. В центре нашего внимания было довольно, чтобы обойти и наслаждаться достопримечательностями & звуки города.

В течение дня мы часто проходя через Vincom Центра, будь то за покупками или испытать один из кафе на первом этаже. Однако, став постоянными посетителями Хошимине, мы также разработали предпочтение нескольких местных ресторанов; каждый в особенности был “Tiem Com Донг Нан” на Чыонг Динь. Мы посетили несколько раз в этом году и пару раз в прошлых поездках.

Мы наслаждались улицы в течение дня и праздника Нового года в 4-м квартале, еще также смогли выйти и испытать Кокильная Sky Bar в округе 1 во время нашей прошлой ночью в Хошимине. В ресторане отеля Холод предложил изысканную атмосферу, в которой мы наслаждались их Жареный норвежского лосося & пан жареный черную треску. Я могу очень рекомендовать оба блюда, а также другие выборы на их континентальной Европы меню.

Заставить двигаться из ресторана Chill к их Sky Bar задать тон для остальной части нашего вечера. Это шикарный, напуганный & модно место предоставили нам с замечательным видом на город из бара под открытым небом. Я особенно наслаждался после выбора хаус-музыки закружилось DJ Chill в.

Поздно вечером в среду, 2й январе, мы сделали наш путь назад к аэропорту для нашего полета на Вьетнам Airways. После 55 минут мы были в аэропорту Камрань, и в 45 минутах езды на такси позже, мы распаковали в течение нашей недели в центре города Нячанг.

Отель Sheraton & Спа служил нашей базе операций. На всей территории отеля, было ли это в бассейне, спа, или в одном из 280 Номера, всегда был панорамный вид залива Нячанг и его прекрасного песчаного пляжа.

Мы провели большую часть времени, исследуя улицы и пляжи Нячанг. Некоторые из наших блюд были в Специи Steam N ', Первый этаж азиатский ресторан отеля Sheraton, где мы были в состоянии легко общаться с деловыми партнерами профессиональной среде.

Вечера взял нас до высоты, модно 28th гостиная этаж. Как высшем бар Нячанг, это при условии расслабляющий место, чтобы развлечь наших партнеров. Пару талантливых женщин диджеев развлекал нас хорошо в ночь.

Возможно, одним из розыгрышей Нячанг является бесконечный пляж, который мы нашли, чтобы быть довольно чисто и легко получить доступ. Хотя в основном облачно и иногда идет дождь в течение первой недели января, мы провели несколько дней, идя по пляжу. Вода была немного прохладно, так окунуться в волны прибоя не было то, что мы пытались. Мы сделали, однако, сделать наш путь в знаковых парусный клуб, модный пляж ресторан стороны, что превращается в ночной клуб вечером.

Один из туристических мероприятий мы занимающихся был визит в Лонг Сон Пагода. Расположенный у подножия горы Трай Туи, он предложил спокойном месте, с которого, чтобы посмотреть в Нячанг ниже.

Один из моих встреч в Steam N 'Спайс был с Якубом Sippl, Директор продовольствия & Напитки на Amiana курорт, новый образ жизни место планируется открыть где-то в конце февраля или в марте. Заниженный, еще в подавляющем большинстве богатый, У меня такое чувство Amiana Курорт будет идеальным местом, чтобы провести неделю, чтобы отдохнуть и расслабиться. Я, конечно, есть курорт на мой список дел на лето 2013.

Мы сделали послеобеденный остановку в Алмазный Bay Resort & Спа где мы встретили Саймона Тинклер, Директор курорта гольфа. Симон обсудили состояние на поле для гольфа, двенадцать отверстий с завершенной, а остальные шесть в стадии разработки. Diamond Bay в Кэдди Мастер, Дуонг Тхи Сан, был достаточно любезен, чтобы взять нас вокруг курса.

Хотя нынешний клуб находится в 5-ти минутах езды от курса, мы смогли увидеть строительство новых клуба Diamond Bay в продвигается хорошо. Это намного лучше подходит для игроков в гольф, чтобы сделать свой путь от клуба к первой мишени.

Дизайн Энди Dye, опытный игрок в гольф, безусловно, заметили, что это будет один из лучших курсов в Азии, как только это закончено и созрел. Лично, Ищу размещено макета и как курс использовали естественную среду обитания: песчаные дюны, большие сосны, природные болота и открытый вид на море, который обеспечивает теплую тропическим бризом.

Мы отбыли Нячанг во вторник, 8 Январь в течение ночи в Хошимине. С утренним рейсом на следующий день, мы решили заказать меньший отель в течение пяти минут Таншоннят. С среду утром выезд и 5-часовой остановки в Куала-Лумпуре, мы смогли сделать наш путь из Сайгона назад на Бали в течение одного дня.

Билл Хили на Вьетнам Golf Magazine





27 July 2018

Casino Outlook, ASEAN Tigers: Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Summer 2018

Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Summer 2018
The focus of this issue’s International Roadtrip is a return to the topic from three years ago — Casino Outlook SE Asia, Summer 2015. The focus will be on the three most dynamic casino gaming markets within the ASEAN region, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. (ASEAN is the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.)

One common thread in the marketing efforts of each these markets is the focus on Chinese tourists. The expenditure of each country on boosting inbound Chinese tourism is a key driver of gaming performance in all ASEAN casino sectors. Chinese visitors were the largest segment by nationality in each of these markets through 2017.

VIP casino tourism from China is expected to continue expanding in mass-market gaming tourism within the region. Some believe that this mass-market segment is under-represented and will continue to grow.


The Philippines

The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing casino hubs in Asia after Macau and Singapore. The high level of growth has some concerned that over-investment in the nation’s thriving gaming sector could become a reality as investors chase lucrative returns in an already crowded market.

In the Summer 2015 issue, it was mentioned that the Philippine government had rightfully recognized that casinos and gaming are central to their drive to boost tourism and the economy. This effort continues with an expanded focus on integrating the casino market with the hospitality sector.

Already noticeable in other markets, casinos in the Philippines have been moving to integrate their businesses with upscale hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, adding to the sense of luxury entertainment for guests with high disposable income.

Despite high growth in recent years, the market is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10% through 2020. The recent growth is due in large part to the VIP customer segment. Casinos continue adding more VIP tables to press the growth of the market upward.

In the Summer 2015 issue, it was estimated that “the Philippines relies on Chinese VIPs for about 30% of its gaming revenues” due to ties to Macau junkets and the businesses that connect the wealthy to casinos. These VIP customers accounted for approximately 50% of the Philippine casino gaming revenue in the last couple of years. In 2018, and for the foreseeable future, the revenue contribution from the VIP segment will continue to grow. The VIP audience generally includes gamblers who seek entertainment value over ROI for their investments.

New casinos are expected to open in the future as junkets continue to set-up operations in the country. Further, the casinos in the Philippines strive to match the casinos in Australia, South Korea and Vietnam in terms of features and affordability.


Singapore

After a couple of years of falling gross gaming revenues (GGR), Singapore’s casinos have been building on a recent trend of steady growth, expected to be around 10% in 2018-2020. The growth is expected to be driven by increases in visitor arrivals.

Following a peak of 15.6 million arrivals in 2013, growth in tourist arrivals had stalled, declining to 15.1 million in 2014 and 15.2 million in 2015. The recent pickup in tourist arrivals seen in 2016 – 2017 was led by arrivals from mainland Chinese.

China also ranked number one for contribution to Singapore’s tourism receipts for three straight years helping make-up for the fall in entry levies paid by Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) in the country’s two casinos.

Citizens and PRs are required to pay a $100 daily levy or $2,000 annual levy to enter a casino. In the financial year ending in March 2017, total levies were at their lowest level since the casinos at Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010. The Singapore Totalisator Board reported that it collected $134 million in casino entry levies in its last financial year, down 21% from the $170 million collected in financial year (FY) 2012/2013.

Counsellors who work with gambling addicts said fewer Singaporeans and PRs are going to the casinos as they are put off by the required entry levy. Additionally, there are some who have lost all their money are have barred themselves or have been banned from the casinos. Reports by the National Council on Problem Gambling shows that more than 25,000 Singaporeans or PRs have banned themselves from the casinos, or their families have applied for an exclusion order to ban them from entering. Some have simply attributed the decline in entry levies by Singaporeans as: “The shine of the casinos and the novelty have worn off.”

Despite the drop in revenues from entry levies, growth has returned to the Singaporean casino market with the increase in international arrivals from China, the USA and neighboring countries.


Vietnam

In the Summer 2015 issue, one of the significant concerns to casino executives was the law banning Vietnamese citizens from entering a casino. Studies at that time indicated the country of 95 million people was losing $800 million (18.2 trillion Vietnamese dong) a year with its citizens crossing into Cambodia and Laos to gamble.

A year ago, to the delight of international gaming executives, Vietnam approved gambling in certain casinos for citizens who met minimum income requirements. The government has allowed locals to gamble at two locations as part of a three-year pilot scheme. News that the government is liberalizing its gaming regulations has given a significant boost to Vietnam’s growing casino and hospitality industry.

Vietnam’s large growth in domestic tourism is a key driver for casino developments. Records show that in 2015, there were 57 million domestic travelers, an amazing 48% growth from the previous year. Their national initiative launched in 2014 and themed “Vietnamese travel in Vietnam – Each journey to love the fatherland more” has also been instrumental in contributing to the growth in domestic tourism.

As with the Philippines, Vietnam has been moving to integrate their casinos with upscale hotels, ensuring a sense of luxury entertainment for guests with high disposable income. Unlike Singapore, however, a significant portion of the growth in Vietnamese gaming will come from domestic gamblers.

These three tigers of SE Asian gaming – the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam – will see continued growth for the foreseeable future.

Based in Bali, Bill Healey has been consulting, installing, and supporting solutions in the global golf and leisure industry since 1982. He has been involved with over 1,000 systems installations in 40+ countries from North America to Africa to Asia and Australia. 


03 January 2018

International Roadtrip :: Leisure Software and Localization

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Winter 2017-2018

Though I’ve spent many of my summer months on a golf course less than a mile from my boyhood home in Michigan (USA), I still find a round of golf to be one of life’s biggest challenges.  I have felt a bit “disabled” by the game of golf, often unable to control my shots.

Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Winter 2017-2018
With a lifetime in the leisure software industry (golf & spa), I found it a bit funny when I went to Google Translate to see how the system would translate “Golf Handicap”. A couple of options came up:  “Cacat Golf” in Indonesian, “高尔夫球障碍” in Simplified Chinese.  Cacat Golf in Indonesian translates back to “disabled golf” a translation that may have been more appropriate to my golf game than for use in golf club software.  高尔夫球障碍 in Chinese translates back to “golf ball obstacle”.

Based in Asia since 1998, I have assisted multiple companies in developing a multi-lingual, multi-national leisure management systems for golf and spa management.  The mission for each is that the systems must be be sensitive to language and cultural needs worldwide.

The firms have typically looked to translate their systems into a half-dozen languages in their initial phases, including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean Thai and Bahasa Indonesian/Malaysian.

My request for each is that their systemS would not rely on automated translation tools.  One of the early suggestions by an industry contact was “why not use Google’s tools to automatically translate the system into these languages.”  Knowing issues others have had with real-time online translations, I ran “Golf Handicap” through Google Translate simply as a demonstration.  When “Cacat Golf” in Indonesian, “高尔夫球障碍” in Simplified Chinese or “khuyết tật golf” in Vietnamese appeared for golf handicap  (“Golf Handicap”/ “Golf Disability”), it was clear we needed to rely on linguistics professionals to assist in the translations.

Though I am aware of issues with online translation programs, I do find that I use them several times a day for communications coming in from Vietnam, China, Korea and elsewhere.  Google Translate and other programs have allowed me to understand the general meaning of a message.  With all the terminology unique to the spa & golf industry, translations into multiple Asian languages is not something I’d leave to a general unassisted online translator.  We didn’t want the system “disabled” by improper translations.

Developing international leisure software and localisation

In developing software it is undoubtedly influenced by the culture and the language of the designers and programmers.  Extracting the culturally and linguistically dependent part of applications is part of the internationalization process.  Script-specific aspects (character encoding, character sizes, line size and spacing), cultural conventions, numbers and dates, icons and symbols, and the use of colour by technical designers are some of the issues in the localisation process.

New products should be enabled for localisation - designed in a way that make the systems culturally-independent.  These systems should be easily adaptable for customers within target markets whether it be Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand or Argentina.

Software internationalization provides a framework for localisation.  It streamlines the process of designing and developing products with features and functionality that facilitate the adaptation of the product to targeted global markets.

Localisation is a different process however, as it takes a the internationalized software and adds features and functionality that match a specific culture and market.  The transparency of the local language, the translation of menus, messages, and online tutorials are issues that are addressed in a localisation process.

Localisation is a linguistic task because the translation requirement is not simply the substitution of one line of text with another.  During the process several pieces of text may need to be brought together, resulting in a more natural feel for the native speaker.

In developing the software we needed to be able to indicate the required text in a neutral way and then extracting the translation at the time the system is accessed, which in turn represents the intended meaning.  Producing the message at run time is a problem of language generation, given the elements of meaning and the rules of composition.

It is also a linguistic problem because many software packages capture and manipulate text that has been supplied by the users.  Examples of this are word processors and database management systems.  In using these packages we are frequently required to match text.  What constitutes an acceptable match depends upon the language.  We frequently ask for text to be sorted — sort orders are language and culture specific.  Software embeds assumptions very deeply — for example, hashing algorithms that will be constructed with the statistical properties of a particular corpus of words or names in mind.

Software localisation is also a tech issue because the system must be able to organize and isolate the linguistic components in a manner that allows them to be replaced and displayed.

If your first language is English, French, Russian, German, or Spanish, most of the software you use is likely in your native language.  For those whose native language is different from those, software in your own language is likely an exception to the rule.  Too often software developers assumed it was easier for Asian users to speak & read English than to create a version of their product in Thai, Japanese, or Chinese.

Localisation - Serious Business

Software localisation has become a serious business as users are demanding not only software in the major language of their country but also in the native languages in their region.  Part of the drive to localize software comes from the changing profile of computer users.  No longer is it just highly educated people using sophisticated software.  Today's computer users extend across all layers of society.  In the hospitality industry, a majority of the staff in the office, restaurant, spa and golf shop are local hires while management may be from overseas.  A localized version of the software significantly benefits both the local staff and overseas manager.

Smartphones have also helped advance the need for local language support throughout a management system.  Many of the spa therapists and club’s caddies use the mobile phone as their primary means of communication with friends and their employer.  Wherever the club may be located, it is a significant benefit to send schedules, updates and general news to the therapists, caddies and other staff in their native language.




02 December 2016

Lifestyle Nightclub :: QUI – The world of cuisine & Mixology

from Vietnam Golf Magazine
September 2016
www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net

Nếu bạn đang tìm kiếm một sự kết hợp hoàn hảo giữa không gian ẩm thực độc đáo với khu lounge đẳng cấp giữa Sài Thành sôi động, QUI sẽ là lựa chọn không thể bỏ qua.

Vietnam Golf Magazine
September 2016
Tọa lạc ở trung tâm Quận 1 trên con đường Lê Thánh Tôn sầm uất, QUI gây ấn tượng ngay với thực khách bởi lối kiến trúc hiện đại, hòa quyện của hai nền văn hoá Đông -Tây. Bằng tài năng thiết kế bậc thầy, LW Design Group đã mang đến cho QUI dáng dấp của một nhà hàng sang trọng nhưng vẫn đem lại cảm giác gần gũi bởi tông màu gỗ ấm cúng cùng kiểu dáng hiện đại, thanh nhã.

Trong không gian được thiết kế tinh xảo ấy, bạn có thể thưởng thức những món ăn Fusion mang hương vị đa dạng của nhiều nền văn hoá và tận hưởng những ly cocktail độc đáo chỉ có ở nơi đây. Với menu đầy sáng tạo, nơi đây là điểm đến lý tưởng cho từng nhu cầu đa dạng của thực khách, cho dù đó là bữa ăn trưa nhanh đơn giản nhưng ngon miệng, một buổi trà chiều thanh đạm, một bữa tối thịnh soạn hay những buổi brunch gặp gỡ cuối tuần.

Bên cạnh những món ăn tuyệt hảo, QUI còn mang đến cho thực khách một bộ sưu tập độc đáo với những loại rượu hảo hạng nhất và những ly cocktail mới lạ nhất, cùng với dòng nhạc Deep House, Hip Hop, RnB được trình diễn bởi những DJ tài năng.

QUI Lounge
Lancaster Building, 22 – 22bis Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, HCM
Opening Hours: 11:00AM – late
Website: www.quilounge.com
Tel: 08 38 28 88 28

===== ENGLISH VERSION =====

Cuisine.Mixology is a concept of dining lounge; located right at the crowded Le Thanh Ton street of District 1. Conceptualized by the world-renowned LW Design Group, QUI’s design is sleek and luxurious in a warm tone of wood furnishings that is not only contemporary but also elegant.

In a sophisticated atmosphere, diners may enjoy Pan Asian inspired dishes and an inventive array of seasonal cocktails. The menu focuses mainly on small plates in a sharing style Asian fusion cuisine, which is perfect for a quick bite before a night out or a full meal shared with colleagues and friends. 

Alongside with the innovative food, QUI also offers an extensive selection of creative cocktails, premium wine, sake and Japanese whiskey. Patrons can enjoy the wide variety of drinks by the long bar as they mix and mingle. This trendy and energetic ambience is a perfect destination for culinary and mixology experience with live DJ’s playing every night. With attention to detail, QUI is sure to impress and satisfy even the most finicky of diners. 

"4 REASONS WHY QUI BECOMES A CULINARY DESTINATION YOU SHOULD NOT MISS"

-  Food:
All of QUI dishes are made and prepared by the talented chef from Dubai - Márk Molnár. Each dish is created by memories of his journeys throughout the world with diverse flavors and a bold Asian inspiration. Coming to Qui, you can find the familiar home made dishes or special flavors from the Marrakech bazaar, to the spankingly fresh Japanese cuisine, or a simply taste of Pho Saigon but in a very different way. Everything is fused together to create a familiar taste, but also very unique - a very QUI.

-  Cocktail:
Come for a drink at QUI, you will become a traveler in a journey explore the distinctive drinks for yourself. QUI brings you a diverse drink menu from the classic to the innovative cocktails created by our creative bartender team.  All the baristas are very skillful and we cannot ignore their extensive knowledge of combining the ingredients that they have accumulated over many years of experience and in-depth classes. Besides creating those exotic drinks, Qui also gives you the very eye-catching and unique decorations that you cannot resist at the very first sip.

-  Atmosphere / Interior: 
QUI – Cuisine.Mixology is a concept of restaurant and lounge; located right at the crowded Le Thanh Ton street of District 1. Conceptualized by the world-renowned LW Design Group, QUI’s design is sleek and luxurious in a warm tone of wood furnishings that is not only contemporary but also elegant.

A fusion funk approach to this Dining Lounge Concept embracing punchy color accents with bold graphic visual features; the merging of east & west design elements seamlessly. 

Comprising of 3 key spaces: the arrival terrace, booth lounging & the VIP library room. The focal central bar is the heart of QUI with oversized contemporary Asian street art adorning the walls offset by more traditional yet quirky furniture details. For those who want to celebrate their event in private, QUI offers you a VIP section with food showcase area. 

-  Music:
There is nothing more to expect in a wine restaurant and lounge besides tempting foods and special drinks, the answer must be the music. You can immerse yourself in the gentle relaxing space for lunch, or a little chillin 'for some cocktails and dinner and exciting night for the party weekend. At Qui, you can enjoy DJ music as diverse as deep house, RnB and Hip Hop...

QUI Lounge
Lancaster Building, 22 – 22bis Le Thanh Ton Street
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCM, Vietnam
Website: www.quilounge.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quilounge 
Phone: 08 38 28 88 28



09 November 2016

The Grand Ho Tram - Vietnam’s Seaside Gem

from Hotelier Indonesia Magazine
November 2016, Issue 27

The Grand Ho Tram Strip is one of Southeast Asia’s premier luxury addresses, in one of the world’s most anticipated tourism hubs. Here are 541 resort guest rooms which sit proudly on the shores of the East Sea and boast an array of facilities that keep guests entertained from dusk till dawn.

The Grand has quickly become the destination of choice for Vietnam and continues to cast its influence and appeal far and wide. With over 10 restaurants and bars, an in-house nightclub, a network of pools adjacent to the beach, outdoor activities including beach volleyball and even a putt-putt golf course, it is not surprising the Grand Ho Tram Strip has established such a glowing international reputation.  

One of the Grand’s most distinguishing features is its dedication to entertainment. A state-of-the-art casino frames the resort experience, where guests are treated to only the finest hospitality and enjoy a wide variety of domestic and international entertainment.

The excitement, splendor and extraordinary details extend into each of the exquisite guest rooms.  Featuring plush beds, impeccable decor, luxurious linens, and full length windows with breathtaking views, each room is as lavish as it is comfortable.  Spacious bathrooms with stand-alone bathtubs provide an indulgent retreat.  Relax, entertain or enjoy something more, your room is yours.

The Bluffs Golf Course

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is an 18-hole, par-71, championship, links-style golf course designed by the legendary Greg Norman. Routed over and around towering seaside sand dunes, the Bluffs, provides a golf setting reminiscent of southwest Ireland.

The highest spot is 50 meters above sea level, on the 15th green. One of the most breathtaking vantage points is the 4th hole, where the green is perched on a Bluff backdrop by dense national forest, the East Sea and the 20-storey Ho Tram Resort Casino Vietnam.

In addition to the golf course, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip features a two-storey, state-of-the-art, 2,300-sqm clubhouse as luxurious and sophisticated as any in the world, and a secluded, PGA-staffed practice facility that allows players to perfect every shot required on the course.

With breathtaking resort, ocean and beachfront vistas, The Bluffs’ stunning, 5-star restaurant will provide golfers with an unrivalled spot from which to ponder what could be or what might have been whilst enjoying a wide range of international cuisine, created by our in-house team of culinary masterminds. One of the clubs most redeeming features is the clubhouse balcony, which offers the ideal spot to watch fellow golfers tackle the scenic 18th hole or embark on their round from the first tee. There are few places in golf that can offer as picturesque a location as this and one that has become a firm favourite for members and frequent guests alike.

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip has risen to stardom in unprecedented fashion, capturing the imagination of the golfing world. In what is regarded by many as the most illustrious introduction of any new golf course, Greg Norman’s masterpiece is already embedded in golf ’s list of most prestigious properties:



#74 Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World
Best New Golf Course in the World – World Golf Awards
Best Golf Course in Vietnam – Vietnam Golf Magazine Awards  
The Event of the Year – Ho Tram Open – Asian Tour Official Annual Awards

Contacts:

The Grand Ho Tram Strip
Address: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Vietnam
Phone: +84 64 378 8888
Fax: +84 64 378 8669
Email: info@thegrandhotram.com

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip
Address: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam
Phone: +84 64 378 8666
Fax: +84 64 378 8669
Email:
info@thebluffshotram.com
Website: thebluffshotram.com




28 September 2016

A 15 Year Retrospective of International Gaming & Hospitality

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Fall 2016


Wishing a very happy 15th anniversary to Gaming & Leisure Magazine.   It’s been nice to see the magazine’s growth through the years.

During this time, I’ve covered leisure technology topics including golf, spa and an occasional resort property from around the world.  One of my favorite focuses has been on covering international gaming from regions as diverse as SE Asia to Russia, Italy, Ireland and elsewhere.

Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Fall 2016
In some articles I’ve covered leisure software tools including Customer Relationship Management in Spas, Software Security, and Revenue Management in Golf Booking Systems.  Perhaps one of the favorite aspects of writing for G&L are the people I have had the privilege to profile.

Within this review of my contributions with G&L I’d like to select three topics, one from casino gaming, another from golf and the third from the spa and wellness industry.

Macau Gaming -- In the Spring 2014 issue of G&L Magazine, our International Road Trip article covered “The Bright Future of the Asian Gaming Market, 2014”.  Of particular focus was Macau, wherein I covered the growth casino gaming in both Macau and across Asia.   In 2014 I mentioned that “Asia will increase its position as the gaming industry’s dominant market in the foreseeable future. Overtaking Las Vegas in gaming revenues in 2006, Macau’s growth has continued, most recently posting revenues six times greater than that of Las Vegas in the past year.”

My early trips into Hong Kong & Macau were in the mid 1990s, years before the return of sovereignty to China (Hong Kong handover 1997, Macau 1999).  In the early visits to Macau, the only casino of size was the smoke-filled, oft over-capacity, fabled Lisboa.Along the streets at the time were smaller casinos teeming with guests, demonstrating a certain demand for an increase in casino gaming in Macau and along China’s borders.

Starting in 2002, numerous firms began developing casinos in Macau including a handful of Chinese groups and the Vegas icons -- Melco Crown, Wynn, Sands, Galaxy, Wynn, MGM, Sands and SJM Holdings.  Hotels, restaurants, and high-end retail shops followed, benefiting from the influx of Chinese high rollers coming to town.

As the only place in China where gambling is legal, Macau exploded, growing into a $45 billion industry by 2013, nearly seven times greater than that of Las Vegas.  In recent years, studies have indicated that the vast amounts of money coming into the city helped hide irregular activity -- providing a cover for some to illegally move money out of mainland China.  As a nation with strict capital controls, China began to crack down on junket operators that recruited the VIP gamblers, and reduced the length of stay for mainland Chinese were allowed to stay in Macau.  

The anti-corruption campaign along with slowing growth had a significant impact.  In 2015 the city's economy shrank by a 20% last year as its main industry, due largely in-part due to the hit taken by the casino industry due to these controls.  Gaming revenues tumbled 34% in 2015 to a five-year low, according to government data.

Golf in Vietnam --  When I made my first stop in Vietnam in 1996 to visit the Song Be Golf Resort, it was one of only a few championship golf courses in the country.  At that time there were only a half-dozen courses in the country altogether.  SE Asian golf destinations at that time included Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.  

Things have changed significantly for golf in the country.   In recent months, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) had selected Vietnam as the 2016 Golf Destination of the Year for Asia & Australasia.  This is the second time it had won the title, winning for the first time in 2013.

The IAGTO awards are voted by IAGTO golf tour operator members from 60 countries and consider:  a) customer satisfaction, b) quality of golf courses & accomodations, c) value for money, d) professional conduct of suppliers, e) support from local tourism industry, and f) accessibility to tee time.

In September and October (2015) I was asked to travel with Vietnam Golf Magazine to play, review and rank the top 25 golf courses and facilities throughout the country.  This trip took us from the island of Phu Quoc at the southernmost tip of the country to Hanoi in the north.  It gave me an opportunity to meet with many of the courses directors and experience each course and facility firsthand.  This “International Road Trip” had been covered by G&L Magazine in the Winter 2015/16 issue.

During our course reviews, we selected The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip as Vietnam’s top golf course. The World Golf Awards also selected The Bluffs as the World’s Best Golf Course 2015.  In the Summer 2014 International Road Trip article for G&L Magazine was an interview with Colin Pine, General Director of Ho Tram Project Company.  The article titled “Vietnam’s Newest Seaside Gaming Gem”, the site remains Vietnam’s top Integrated Gaming Resort.

With such a significant growth in the number of courses and the quality of golf in a short 20 years I can see why IAGTO had selected Vietnam twice as the Golf Destination of the Year

International Spa Management -- Through the past 15 years, I’ve been involved in consulting and implementing Spa Management Systems around the world.  With this I’ve also written about dozens of spas and spa conferences.  In the Winter 2014/15 issue of G&L Magazine, I wrote about attending “Forum HOTel Spa, Paris 2014-2015” a leading spa conference held at the Paris Four Seasons George V.


That year (June 2014) as well as this year (June 2016) one of the featured speakers was Mr. Ingo Schweder.  Since he epitomizes the growth and success of the global spa market in recent years, I’d like to use him as an example.

I first met Ingo in 2004 at the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai (Thailand) when he was Group Manager - Spa for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.  The site was expected to be the world’s top spa village and was a month or two from opening.   At the time he was on-site for some pre-opening work and was onsite consulting on Spa IT solutions.  Since that time, we had crossed paths a number of times at Spa & Hotel conferences in places like the Paris, Bali, and Hong Kong.

In 2011, Ingo founded GOCO Hospitality, with offices in Bangkok and Berlin.  From there they had a significant level of growth in their global spa consulting and management services.  In a short few years, they have developed some of the top spa and wellness centers around the world, in exotic locations around Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Europe and the Americas.  Having visited a few in SE Asia and Europe, I can attest that they are top of the line.  Their success has been highly recognized with dozens of awards including:  “Top Spa Consultants”, “Best Destination Spa”, “Best Hotel Spa” and “Spa of the Year”.

This is one of several groups that have done well in the expanding global spa market through the past fifteen years.  Almost every resort will have a spa as part of their service offerings.

It has been a pleasure contributing international content to Gaming and Leisure Magazine through the years.   Congratulations on the first fifteen, and best wishes for the years to come.


04 August 2016

Air 360 Skybar -- An Iconic SkyBar Above it All

from Vietnam Golf Magazine
August 2016

There may be no better way to enjoy Saigon than from above, cocktail in hand, gazing across the lights and landmarks that define the city.  Air 360 Sky Lounge is unquestionably one of the best spots in central Ho Chi Minh City for open air drinking, dining, lounging and events. The
Vietnam Golf Magazine
August 2016
sky bar combines vibrant music with a chic, relaxing atmosphere, fashionable lounge decor and an unbeatable view.

Located on the 22nd floor of Ben Thanh Tower, Air 360 is a unique venue offering a sweeping 360 degree view of the Saigon River and city skyline.  Trendy deep house rhythms, swirls of city lights and signature drinks redefine the concept of a party, luring in a mix of globetrotters along with the city’s A-List.  Let your hair down and enjoy a sunset and night with friends while being served a world-class drink in high fashion.

Cooling off with a beverage after a hot day in Saigon cannot be better than sipping that beverage poolside.  The Sky Pool at Air 360 offers guests a casual, open air setting, making for an infinitely wonderful evening for dining and drinking.


Air 360 offers an extensive selection of fine Champagnes, premium spirits and bespoke cocktails from all four corners of the globe.  An extensive, up-scale dinner menu is available at the Sky Pool.

Visitors have found that the best way to ogle Saigon is to spend an evening at Air 360.


Air 360 Sky Lounge
22-23 floor, Ben Thanh Tower
Le Thi Hong Gam street
District 1, HCMC
Hotline: +84 974 58 77 88